My thoughts on Dubai and its culture are just about covered in full on the previous pages, but I'd really like to reiterate what a wonderful experience the whole thing has been.

Anyone traveling to a different region of the world is sure to have their expectations turned on their head, and the Middle East is no exception to the rule. The people have been welcoming, fun and genuinely wonderful to meet with. The gaming (and shopping!) was eye-opening and surprisingly accommodating to Nintendo fans.

If there was anything in the trip that I regret not being able to do, at least for the purpose of this article, it's visiting one of Dubai's illustrious gamer lounges. These places are said to be arranged like a collection of Ikea living room displays, with full gaming setups where you can hone your skills on the latest consoles while food and drinks are served to you as you play. They're known as a place for groups of friends to meet up for an afternoon and hang out in a comfortable home-like setting, without the need to brave the congested traffic to get to each others' residential districts. It's a shame I didn't get the opportunity to check these places out for myself. Maybe next time!

I'd love to go back to the city and explore some more one day. I'd also like to visit some more exotic locations around the world and tell more tales from the perspective of the humble video game geek. If any of you have had some interesting international adventures, or suffered culture shock of the best kind (that is of course, involving cool gaming experiences!), sound off in the comments below! As always, thanks for reading!

Special thanks go to ExtraCake for graciously inviting myself and NWR to attend MEFCC 2015. Maybe you'll see us again next year!